Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Bethesda Maryland
Picking the ideal dental hygienist school near Bethesda MD is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than choosing the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry program's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's look at the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Degree Options
As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Bethesda MD dental offices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a viable alternative for getting your training. Just remember that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Bethesda MD home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bethesda MD, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bethesda MD employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bethesda MD dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Bethesda MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bethesda MD dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Bethesda MD dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bethesda MD area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Bethesda MD in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Bethesda
Pick the Right Bethesda Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous alternatives available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Bethesda Maryland.
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